Chelsea have received some relief over the Jamie Gittens injury after England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley said the winger was taken off after suffering a kick to his ankle against Kazakhstan.
Gittens was seen leaving the stadium on crutches after being substituted during England Under-21s’ 4-2 victory, prompting concern over the seriousness of the problem.
However, Carsley said the injury was caused by contact rather than a twist or strain and confirmed that Gittens would return to Chelsea.
“Jamie got a kick on his ankle,” Carsley said. “We never take any risks. With the age of these players we don’t ever keep them in camp to see how they are. He will go back.”
The 21-year-old is already receiving treatment at club level. The use of crutches suggests the injury is not insignificant, but Carsley’s description will ease fears that Gittens may have suffered a more serious setback.
Gittens has made limited appearances for Chelsea this season, including few opportunities from the substitutes’ bench, and the injury comes as he tries to establish himself in the team.
